Let's go back in time about 10 days, I was at Joann's getting fabric for the first Challenge (self-drafted a-line skirt) in The Super Online Sewing Match. I was throwing bolts in the cart, looking high and low for some fabrics I liked and would work. I found the stripe, which I knew was the "one" for the challenge . I also bought a printed linen with blues, reds and browns. I liked it but didn't love it.
With these neutral feelings, I made my first attempt at the skirt with the printed linen. It is fine and I will probably wear it but I like the length of my stripe one better.
Also, it was a bit big in the waist, so I made the second one a bit smaller.
Which do you like better? I am so happy I bought two choices and I made a first attempt before cutting into my stripe fabric. Muslins do pay off, I just really don't like doing them.
Now a second quextion - do you always do a muslin? Do you like doing them? Oops that was a second and third question.
With these neutral feelings, I made my first attempt at the skirt with the printed linen. It is fine and I will probably wear it but I like the length of my stripe one better.
Also, it was a bit big in the waist, so I made the second one a bit smaller.
Which do you like better? I am so happy I bought two choices and I made a first attempt before cutting into my stripe fabric. Muslins do pay off, I just really don't like doing them.
Now a second quextion - do you always do a muslin? Do you like doing them? Oops that was a second and third question.
I don't usually do muslins. I get so little time to sew anyway, to do a muslin just takes away the little time I do get to sew. But, there are times I wish I would have, when my "good" fabric becomes a wadder. And if I were to do a big project, like a coat or formal dress, then I would do one. (BTW- I love both your skirts!)
ReplyDeleteI am with you, a muslin if it is a big project or expensive project. Otherwise, I can usually make it work!
DeleteYears ago I did a lot more sewing of clothes and had a good friend that enjoyed it also we made dresses from muslin because it was inexpensive and we added lots of lace and the dresses were beautiful. We didn't know to do this for a test run. I am getting back into sewing clothing and since many times they need altering I am thinking I will try a muslin on the next pattern I plan to make. When they don't fit right I tend to stop the project and put it on a UFO pile...so I think I will give muslin a go!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information on the lace and muslin dresses, I bet they were beautiful. Have fun garment sewing.
DeleteI just love the striped skirt, it has something a bit special about it. Muslins? Hate them, but have learnt that they are really worth doing and I have even started doing a second one when I want to be certain my adjustments are spot on. I think this new found patience must have something to do with age :)
ReplyDeleteI am with you, Wendy, the stripe skirt is just the "one". I am finding this patience too, age in that way is a good thing.
DeleteI like both skirts but am partial to the colors in skirt number 2. Muslins? Almost always and I usually regret it when I skip the muslin.Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah! I loved the fabric in the second one too and I believe it is the colorway. Your muslins pay off in a good way.
DeleteI like the other one better but this one is cute also.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your first skirt, but love this one! I found the same fabric at JoAnn's and made a Cake Patterns Hummingbird skirt with it http://www.flickr.com/photos/87860889@N06/9175557408/. I did an ombre effect with the fabric instead of a stripe but I really like the stripe. I usually do make a muslin first except for knit patterns.
ReplyDeleteOH, Shar, your skirt is gorgeous, it really shows off the fabric! Thanks so much for sharing.
DeleteI always make a muslin when trying a new pattern. This is an excellent way to acquire a nice.variety of TNTs. I buy rather expensive fabric and making muslins can eliminate waste of these beauties!
ReplyDeleteYour striped skirt is wonderful and agree that the "muslin" is a bit too short.
Karen
I hate making muslins because my sewing time is limited with four kids. However, if it is something I really want to have for a long time (coat, dress, etc) I will make one.
ReplyDeleteLove your skirts!
Four kids, I remember those busy days. I do the same thing with a muslin, depends on project difficulty and cost of fabric.
DeleteI much prefer the colours of the striped skirt on you, and the length as well. But the second skirt would be a great casual, quick pull on skirt, so I guess I really like both!
ReplyDeleteLately I have been heading down the muslin track, using what us Aussies call Calico - cheap fabric that I then cut into strips and use to tie up the tomato plants in the vege patch.
Thanks for your insight Judith. Good plan with the calico fabric, use it for a muslin and then the garden.
DeleteI like the striped one best. I think this one looks like it is too low and needs to be pulled up, but then you would need even more length. You know, proportions not quite right - looks half/half rather than top 1/3rd and skirt 2/3rds. I do love the fabric though. And yes sometimes I make muslins but probably not for a skirt. Just measure to make sure it is long enough and wide enough. You can always take it in or up.
ReplyDeleteIf it was mine, I would take it in and add a band on the bottom with leftover fabric or matching plain fabric. It is so cute and goes with your top so well. But perhaps life is too short for that, cos it still looks fine.
Vicki, thanks for the proportions insight, I think you are spot on. I tried the band on the bottom, miscut and had to take it off. Decided I didn't like it enough to do it again, so I gave it to Erin, she and I are about the same size but she is 2" shorter and 28 years younger. She will look really cute in it!
DeleteI have been doing more muslins lately.
ReplyDeleteIn the words of Martha - it is a good thing!
DeleteAnother pretty skirt! I like them both, but I prefer the second one, the one you entered in the contest. Why? I think the softer colors appeal to me, it's striped without being hard-line striped, and the length looks like it was made for you (this print looks short TO ME).
ReplyDeleteAbout muslins: Until recently, all I made (garment sewing) was muslins. I never got past that because of my fitting issues. But I've now made two pairs of pants that fit me (YEA!!!) and next week will make a simple cotton top. So where I am now in my sewing life, I will probably machine baste, try on, make any adjustments -- rather than making a muslin, because I don't think I would need to make such major changes that would make it into a wadder. One exception is if I am going to make something out of an expensive fabric and/or that will take a lot of time, I would still make a muslin first. And while I don't like making muslins, it's still sewing. :)
Yea, Sandra, 2 pair of pants is quite an accomplishment. Great for you.
DeleteLori, the colors are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Miss Marys
DeleteThese colors are really pretty, although your striped version is probably still my favorite-- it's just so gorgeous! I make a muslin for things that are fitted. I tend to skip them if I'm making something with a relaxed fit and will just try on as I go.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Ginger, this one has been given to my daughter.
Delete